UCLA barely got a sniff of the preseason top 25. That’s how bleak it is right now for the left coast conference. I’ll be honest: it looks as bad as I can remember it in all my … well … 12 years of really following the sport closely. It’s crazy how far this league has fallen (and Pac-10 homers are even resigning themselves to this), but nearly 30 players have gone to the draft from this league in the past three years.
Who’s in the Top 25: California, Washington.
Last three regular-season champions: Washington, UCLA, UCLA.
2009 Tournament record: 13-9.
Five best players:
• Senior Jerome Randle (California). He goes as his backcourt partner Patrick Christopher does. Read more on both of them below.
• Sophomore Isaiah Thomas (Washington). Once everyone stopped making lame, obvious jokes about his name and started paying attention to his game, it became a serious matter. Thomas was the the consensus Freshman of the Year and a First Team freshman nationally. His only weakness is bigger guards tend to wear him out as the games go on. Give it time. Small guys tend to find their niches when forced to play on their heels.
• Sophomore Klay Thompson (Washington State).The sophomore guard averaged less than 13 points and less than two assists per game last year. But new head coach Ken Bone will have to facilitate the offense through Thompson. He’s a good player, but he also puts a light on what’s not in the Pac-10 this year.
• Senior Nic Wise (Arizona). Wise is crafty. He’s efficient. He’s probably even better than I give him credit for. Sean Miller came to Tucson because of the increased payday and the hope he’ll be able to recruit a higher level of guard in the desert. He should have a great time dictating his offense through wise this season.
• Senior Patrick Christopher (California). Really like the possibilities of what Cal can do with this duo. Randle would’ve been left to his own devices if Christopher (foolishly) would have left for the NBA. Now the two can pace the Bears to a possible Pac-10 title. Last time that happened: 19 freaking 60.
Freshmen to watch:
• Abdul Gaddy (Washington). Some questions about Gaddy’s role in the offense right now, but he’s the favorite to rise up and take the Freshman of the Year honor.
• Roberto Nelson (Oregon State). Nelson is a strong recruit who could help the Beavers be the sneakiest team in the country.
• Kyryl Natyazhko (Arizona). There’s always a few international players who really stand out each season; it’s the globalization of the college game. High hopes for this kid. I know nothing of him yet, so I’m taking the waiver.
Coaching changes: Sean Miller comes in to Arizona, replacing a guy who wasn’t ever really liked in Kevin O’Neill. Ken Bone, a name that makes you think he sells insurance, will try and build a reputation at Washington State.
Five storylines to follow:
1) Flirting with the mid-majors. All it will take is a MAC, Missouri Valley or MWC to have a solid showing, beat a few ranked teams in November and December combined with unimpressive play by the Pac-10 to get the real bashing of this conference rolling. I promise not to beat up too much on the Pac-10. I root for it to prove people wrong.
2) Miller’s crossing. Nine freshmen and sophs on schollies for Miller at Arizona. It’ll be another rough year for the Wildcats. The faithful in Tucson haven’t had this kind of three-year stretch of mediocrity in so long they probably forgot what it was like. Oh, wait, Arizona STILL made The Tournament last year and reached the Sweet 16. You’d never know it though, right? The run likely comes to an end this season.
3) First coach. Hey, did you hear Beavers head coach Craig Robinson is Barack Obama’s brother-in-law? In other news, reports out of everywhere are confirming that water is indeed wet. Let’s stop with these memes, please.
4) Tussle at the top. Washington and Cal will be one and two (pick your order) at season’s end. I see no other way it can shake out.
5) Uh, you got anything else? Cause I’m bone dry. Oh! Ken Bone! The new guy at Wazzu! Man, this is rough …
Calendars circled:
— Jan. 16: California @ Washington
— Jan. 21: Washington @ UCLA
— Jan. 30: UCLA @ Oregon State
— Jan. 31: California @ Arizona
— Feb. 11: Washington @ California
